Shawclough & Healey Dec/Jan 2022

Syke Walk & Talk Group
SYKE CHAPEL TO BIRCH HILL
An easy walk of about 4 miles. Mainly
level walking but with a short but
steep climb up Birch Hill.
Setting off from Syke Chapel head north along
Dewhirst road. After a short distance there
is a metal gate on your right. Go through the
gate and follow this path through a copse and
another metal gate until you come to a style
and a stream which you cross by the stepping
stones or a narrow plank.
Turn left and cross the road and after a short
distance take the footpath on your right which
leads onto Elm Grove. Continue along Elm
Grove until you reach number 13. A footpath
takes you between the houses onto Birch
Road. Turn right and after a short distance left
into Westmorland Drive. Take the right fork
onto Birch Hill Lane and continue along the
lane until you see a footpath sign on your right.
Cross the stile and take the path immediately
to your left. The path rises steeply to the crest
of Birch Hill. The climb is worth the effort. On
a clear day there are excellent views in every
direction. To the west is Wardle and beyond
that Brown Wardle and Middle Hill. To the
north is Crook Moor and the wind farm.
Continue on this path which passes through
the fields and over several styles finally taking
you up a steep bank, over another style and on
to Rydings Road. Cross the road bearing left
and descend the steps to Rydings Dam. Take
the path to the right which takes you across
the dam embankment Follow the steps up the
side of the valley. The path can be difficult to
see but head towards Wardle.
As you approach the houses on Wardle road
look out for a turn in the path to the right
which leads you between the houses and onto
Wardle road.
Looking east is Shore, Littleborough and
Hollingworth Lake with the Pennines beyond.
The Rakewood viaduct, Blackstone Edge and
the White House can be seen in clear weather.
By contrast the view to the South is a largely
urban landscape taking in Rochdale and
Manchester.
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